Build or not to Build:That is the question
 

Here's the deal,'03 3500 4x4 QC DRW 373's Laramie Sport with 99K miles. I have the trans serviced every 10K including filter and bands adjustments. Never any unusual metal flakes,oil has never smelled burnt,nor has the truck ever been used to pull an RV or rodded off road. I have a 5 " exhaust,Volant Cold Air and Edge's Mileage max. This is where the angel and devil sitting on each shoulder things is happening. I hate the way my truck shifts,its sloppy and very doggy. At best, I might get 15 mpg at 65 mpg. Not that I do this,but you would think a truck with an empty bed and 450 +FP of torque would at least be able to power brake. The only time the rear will break loose is in the snow,the bitch won't even power brake on wet road.http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/z...nak/lame-1.gifMy thoughts are a new TC and VB. But.........99K miles should I rebuild the trans also? I can't really afford a rebuild,TC and VB. Since the 47 series is basically a 727 with a OD unit on the back,any competent wrench who can do a turbo 350/400, 727/904,should be able to rebuild this trans,right? I've seen HD kits with the upgraded bands and what not,I could probably get my buddy to do it, if its a 727. I only drove the truck 3K miles last year because of the poor mileage and lack of the old fun factor. I believe if the trans had firm shift points and didn't fall on its face when going into OD,I might have a better driving experience. I know its a dually and only 250 HP and not designed to get great mileage. But I'd stroke out if I ever saw 18 MPG! Since I carried on for so long,I'm going to start a new thread with my other half of my dilemma

I would have the tranny rebuilt just to be safe

i would go through the unit i work at a trans shop also make sure you replace the governor pressure solinoid and transducer also the solinoid pack to heavy duty bands :U:

If I've never over heated the trans,nor have I ever found any metal filings to speak of when changing fluid. There is plenty of adjustment left in the bands. Is a rebuild really warranted? Wouldn't a valve body and new converter be a more of a reasonable thing to try? I've gone 200K miles on 727's with a good TC and VB. Or am I just tinkling down my leg without noticing it? I'm by nature pretty tight when it comes to money,but when I do spend money I want to do it right the first time. Yet if I can prolong something by throwing money at it correctly,I'm all for it also.